Ahmedabad Flood Chaos Triggers Towing Price Surge as Hundreds of Vehicles Break Down

The aftermath of Ahmedabad's record-breaking rainfall has left thousands of motorists stranded, with vehicle towing charges soaring overnight as demand surged. Following nearly 18 inches of rain in just 16 hours, roads across the city remained submerged, causing hundreds of cars and two-wheelers to break down and exposing the city's drainage shortcomings.

Towing charges jump fourfold

Vehicle owners alleged that towing operators sharply increased their rates after the deluge.

A tow that typically costs around ₹1,500 for a distance of 10 to 15 kilometres is now reportedly being quoted at ₹6,000 for trips of just 10 to 12 kilometres.

With hundreds of vehicles stranded on flooded roads, motorists said they had little option but to pay the inflated charges to recover their cars.

Thousands of two-wheelers damaged

Apart from cars, thousands of scooters and motorcycles left parked along roadsides were also damaged after being submerged in floodwater.

Many owners were forced to abandon their vehicles as water levels rose rapidly across several parts of the city.

Insurance providers face mounting requests

Insurance companies that offer complimentary towing services as part of vehicle policies are also under pressure.

According to vehicle owners, several insurers have requested policyholders to wait four to five days for towing assistance due to the overwhelming number of service requests following the flooding.

Residents question Ahmedabad's drainage infrastructure

The widespread flooding has renewed criticism of Ahmedabad's stormwater drainage system, with residents claiming the city's "Smart City" status has failed to translate into resilient urban infrastructure.

Locals pointed out that the drainage network in the city's historic pols, built more than 150 years ago, continues to function effectively because it follows the natural land gradient. In contrast, they alleged that several newer drainage lines in eastern and western Ahmedabad have been constructed against the natural slope, leading to backflow during heavy rainfall and worsening waterlogging.

Bungalows flooded in several localities

Floodwaters entered several residential societies, including Santosha Park on Chanalal Joshi Marg, where water levels reportedly rose above four feet, forcing residents to vacate their bungalows.

Similar flooding was reported in Thaltej and Gota, where numerous homes were inundated.

Residents expressed anger over the civic response, alleging that despite repeated complaints, drainage issues remain unresolved. While Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials visited some affected areas, they were met with criticism from residents demanding long-term solutions to recurring monsoon flooding.